Olive-capped Coua
NameOlive-capped Coua
Common NameOlive-capped Coua
Scientific NameCoua coquereli
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)185
Plumage DetailsThis species has olive-green upperparts and a long, graduated purplish-blue tail. Its underparts are pale lilac-pink on the throat and breast, fading to buffy-white on the belly. The head features a distinctive black cap, a black line through the eye, a buffy supercilium, and a prominent patch of bare, bright blue skin around the eye.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of 'coua' notes, which can be accelerating and sometimes described as harsh or guttural.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western and southwestern Madagascar, inhabiting dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, and scrubland.
Identifying Featuresbright blue bare skin around eye, black cap, olive-green back, lilac-pink breast, long purplish-blue tail
Description
The Olive-capped Coua is a striking terrestrial cuckoo endemic to Madagascar, known for its vibrant facial markings and long tail. It forages on the ground in dry forests, often seen walking or running rather than flying.
